IDF and Shin Bet Confirm Killing of Hamas Terrorist Involved in Nova Party Abductions

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet security agency confirmed Sunday the elimination of Sahar Nadal Latif Sakar, a terrorist documented driving the motorcycle used to abduct Noa Argamani and Avinatan Or from the Nova music festival on October 7. The strike, which occurred Saturday in the Nuseirat area of central Gaza, was carried out by the IDF and Shin Bet in conjunction with the Gideonim 33 unit of Lahav 433.

Palestinian media had initially reported Sakar's death in an airstrike. According to the security establishment, Sakar was active in global jihad organizations operating in Gaza and had recently been involved in advancing terror plots against IDF forces and Israeli civilians, in collaboration with Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad operatives. The security forces stated that the operation was conducted "while systematically violating the ceasefire agreement."

During the October 7 attack, Sakar reportedly entered Israeli territory and participated in the abduction of Argamani and Or. The IDF and Shin Bet identified him as the motorcycle driver who transported them to Gaza. Argamani was later rescued after eight months in captivity during Operation Arnon.

The elimination of Sakar is part of an ongoing effort by the IDF and Shin Bet to track down and neutralize terrorists involved in the October 7 attacks and the subsequent abductions. A dedicated command center, "NILI," was established after the massacre, integrating intelligence personnel to locate terrorists and close operational and intelligence loops.

Separately, reports emerged Sunday from Gaza of casualties in another Israeli strike near the White Mosque in the Shati refugee camp, west of Gaza City.